Roland Garros 2018: Rafael Nadal is the favorite, but these 5 players can challenge him

5. Kei Nishikori

The lone Asian man seriously in contention, Nishikori made it to the Monte Carlo Masters final last week before losing badly to Nadal.

He is a pretty consistent performer and regularly makes it to the last 8 of the Major tournaments. However, in order to go beyond that, he would have to improve his killer instinct and big-match temperament.

Nishikori has an excellent backhand; his cross-court groundstrokes are particularly special. His court-coverage and athleticism are very good too. However, his forehand is not as lethal and he often tends to commit errors on crucial points.

Nishikori needs to improve upon those aspects and if he is able to do so, there is no reason why he can't challenge for the title.

Career head to head against Nadal: 2-10

2018 win-loss record: 9-4

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Musab Abid